It’s no secret that the homeless crisis in Los Angeles is reaching new heights. According to the 2018 Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count, there are now over 55,000 homeless individuals living in LA County—a 26% increase from 2017.
This growing problem is exacerbated by a lack of affordable housing options; in fact, LA has the lowest vacancy rate for rental housing units of any major city in the US.
With homelessness and a lack of affordable housing both on the rise, it’s more important than ever to support the nonprofits working to combat these issues in our community.
The Truth About Homelessness in Los Angeles
Homelessness is often misunderstood. When people think about the homeless, they might picture an individual down on their luck who just needs a little help to get back on their feet.
While there are certainly many people experiencing homelessness who fit this description, the reality is that homelessness can happen to anyone. In Los Angeles, there are families with young children, veterans, senior citizens, and individuals from all walks of life who have been impacted by this issue.
Many factors can contribute to someone becoming homeless. Job loss, illness or injury, domestic violence, and mental illness can all lead to individuals and families losing their homes.
Once someone becomes homeless, it’s very difficult for them to get back on their feet; studies have shown that it costs more money to be homeless than it does to have a place to live. That’s why it’s so important to support programs and organizations that are working to end homelessness in Los Angeles.
How Nonprofits Are Helping Solve the Crisis
Many nonprofits are doing great work to combat homelessness and help those already experiencing it. One organization making a significant impact is LAHSA.
They are responsible for coordinating all homeless services in LA County and overseeing the annual homeless count (which showed us just how bad the problem has gotten).
They work with other nonprofits and government agencies to provide resources, including shelter, food, clothing, and healthcare, to those in need. They also provide case management services and work to connect individuals with long-term solutions such as affordable housing and job training programs.
Another great organization making a difference is PATH (People Assisting the Homeless). PATH operates several programs designed to help those experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
PATH operates emergency shelters as well as transitional housing facilities for families and individuals working towards independence. PATH also provides job placement assistance, mental health services, and much more.